It’s the season for barbecues, picnics and ballpark hotdogs. With these wonderful times spent with family and friends can come indigestion and heartburn – which may be diagnosed as GERD.
Experiencing these symptoms sporadically is not usually a problem but when it becomes chronic many complications can occur.😞
I know we also see evidence of this in our patients as tooth 🦷 erosion and cratering.
Many of us suggest these patients take over the counter (OTC) antacid meds to see if the symptoms ease or completely go away. 👍
Often we refer to a pediatric gastroenterologist 😷 for further testing.
I know many parents are not happy with the thought that their child may be on these meds for a very long time.😒
Here are some NATURAL fixes to try without the side effects of OTC meds.
Morning burn? Standing up after lying down can loosen the “plug” that keeps acid in your stomach.
Fix: Blend frozen raspberries ice and water and sip the slushy before breakfast.(Research in the World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests fruit’s fiber works on par with Pepsid at preventing heartburn)
Worse after eating? Even a single hot dog can create a bottleneck that slows digestion and triggers heartburn.
Fix: Nibble on a licorice gummy after any meal prevents the burn for most people.(Research in Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine says licorice speeds digestion by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut)
Can’t sleep? For a lot of people with chronic acid reflux, heartburn often wakes them up. And it is even more common in the summer when our diet shifts.
Fix: Take a citrus extract called D-limonene an hour before bed. It floats to the surface of the stomach, where it blocks gastric juices.(A University of Oklahoma study states by using this extract 92% prevented heartburn)
Fix: Mix 1 tsp. of honey with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt each night before bed.(Research indicates the lactobacillus in the yogurt helps normalize bowel function, while the honey coats the stomach and esophagus, healing any existing damage in the tissue and lining)
Many of us hear parents complain about their child’s breath in the morning. 🐉 While there can be many reasons for this, acid reflux is sometimes the cause.
Easing the acid reflux can freshen breath for most people! ♥
🌟You may want to share this in an email with your parents or develop a handout to give to those patients with evidence of early GERD or an obvious case of it.
PDTA members you have access to even more great MARKETING ideas!
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or ideas – we love hearing from you!.
Have a wonderful, fun-filled busy summer!
Stay safe and stay healthy!